Utilization Pattern of Acupuncture and Its Associated Predictors for Cancer Pain in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Cancer-related pain is a common and distressing symptom among patients with cancer. Although acupuncture is widely used and supported by growing evidence, its real-world use and related patient attitudes remain underexplored in South Korea. This study aimed to investigate patterns of acupuncture use and identify factors influencing its use among Korean cancer patients experiencing pain.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 at six Korean medicine hospitals. A total of 201 cancer patients with pain completed a questionnaire assessing acupuncture use, pain severity and interference, and beliefs using a modified version of the ABCAM (Attitudes and Beliefs about Complementary and Alternative Medicine) instrument. Treatment concerns, logistical barriers, and social norms were analyzed.

Results: Of the 201 participants, 80.6% reported using acupuncture for cancer-related pain. Pain severity was the only significant predictor of acupuncture use (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10-2.12, p = 0.01). Acupuncture users reported fewer concerns about safety and side effects, fewer logistical barriers, and stronger encouragement from family, healthcare providers, and peers.

Conclusions: This is the first study to explore real-world use of acupuncture for cancer pain in South Korea. Greater pain severity, perceived safety, ease of access, and social support were associated with higher acupuncture use. These findings suggest that improved patient education and integration of acupuncture into cancer care may enhance pain management for Korean patients.